Bette Midler Plants First Of One Million Trees in NYC

By paige | October 10, 2007

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In a true celebration of fall in New York City, Bette Midler, founder of the New York Restoration Project, joined Mayor Bloomberg in the Bronx to plant the first of one million trees to launch the Million Trees NYC initiative. The landmark tree, a Carolina Silverbell, was specifically chosen to be planted in the Morrisania section of the Bronx–a neighborhood with too few trees and high rates of asthma. As one of 127 PlaNYC initiatives to make New York City more sustainable by 2030, Midler is encouraging New Yorkers to get involved:

“I urge every New Yorker to dig in and be a part of Million Trees NYC,” said NYRP Founder Bette Midler. “It’s the responsibility of our city’s corporations and foundations, developers, block associations, policymakers, home owners and renters–all New Yorkers–to create a million living, growing legacies that will enhance our beloved city and sustain the world for generations to come. To walk under the branches of a tree that you have planted connects you to the roots of our past and the aspirations of our future.”

Through a mix of public and private plantings, Million Trees NYC, an important initiative of PlaNYC, will expand New York City’s urban forest by 20%. All New Yorkers will share in the many benefits that come from planting trees–more beautiful neighborhoods and parks; cleaner air and water; higher property values; energy savings; cooler summer streets, yards, and public open spaces; and a healthier, more environmentally sustainable City.

After a recent tree removal mishap in Hawaii, Bette Midler is experiencing a true karmic turnaround with this recent initiative. While we can’t speak for her carbon usage, her karmic footprint is certainly being noted! Check out the full press release here.